Selling a car can be a mundane transaction, but when it involves a machine as special as my 2010 Mercedes S600, it deserves a memorable send-off. This isn’t just any car; it’s a V12-powered testament to luxury and performance, the kind of vehicle that turns heads and delivers an unparalleled driving experience. When I listed my S600, hoping to find the right enthusiast who would appreciate its unique qualities, I received interest through Autotrader and my blog, leading to a particularly intriguing prospect: a buyer from Arizona named Jared Harris. Little did I know, Jared’s interest would turn into an epic cross-country road trip, making the sale of my Mercedes S600 For Sale an unforgettable adventure.
Jared, a young man from Arizona, discovered my Mercedes S600 for sale through this very blog. After a few exchanges, his proposition caught my attention. Instead of shipping the car, he suggested I drive it from Virginia to Phoenix. For someone who cherishes road trips as much as I do, this was an offer I couldn’t refuse. The idea of traversing the American landscape in my S600 one last time, showcasing its long-distance cruising capabilities, was immensely appealing. Of course, a tinge of apprehension lingered. What if, after 2,300 miles, the deal fell through? The thought of flying back, retrieving the car, and explaining the failed venture was less than ideal. However, my phone conversations with Jared instilled confidence. He seemed like a genuine car enthusiast, someone who understood the unspoken code among us: car guys don’t take advantage of fellow enthusiasts. His deposit, sent via Venmo, solidified the deal and eased my concerns. We agreed on the price – the reserve I had set for MB Market – a fair value for a well-maintained Mercedes S600 for sale.
Before embarking on this transcontinental journey with my Mercedes S600 for sale, I ensured it was in top condition. A fresh exterior detail brought back its showroom shine. Even though Service D was still a couple of months away, I opted for a preemptive oil change and brake flush, investing another $300. My aim was to deliver a car that was not only visually stunning but also mechanically sound, ready for its new owner. The day before departure, after a music gig in Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia, I pre-loaded the S600, ready for an early start. The plan was tight: three days to Phoenix, one day for final car prep, and a flight back home. No room for delays.
DAY 1 – Sunday morning began with a quick coffee stop before hitting the road. Setting off from Leesburg, Virginia, I charted a westward course on Route 7, merging onto Interstate 81 South towards Bristol. With Waze and a radar detector as my co-pilots, I settled into a comfortable cruising speed. I recall an amusing moment near Chambersburg, where a blue Kia Forte and I were maintaining a brisk pace, only for him to be pulled over by the police shortly after I lost him in traffic. I almost felt responsible for half his ticket.
Continuing past Bristol, Tennessee, my immediate needs were simple: a restroom break, McDonald’s, and fuel. My map reconnaissance led me to Blountville, Tennessee. Back on I-81 and then onto I-40, my goal for day one was 750 miles, targeting Jackson, Tennessee, between Nashville and Memphis, for the night. Nashville at sunset was a blur, a testament to the nature of these long-haul drives where sightseeing often takes a backseat to mileage.
Driving late into the night on I-40, I made a pit stop, prioritizing safety and basic needs. Experimenting with the night vision camera of the Mercedes S600 for sale was a fun diversion, a clever feature more for show than practical use in well-lit highway conditions.
Day one concluded with 761 miles covered in 10 hours and 37 minutes of driving, averaging a respectable 20.9 mpg at 72 mph. A cold outdoor pool at the hotel provided a welcome respite for a tired back before an early bedtime, preparing for an even longer day ahead.
DAY 2 – Monday was planned to be a long haul, aiming for 900 miles to ease day three. Another Panera coffee stop, thanks to their monthly subscription, and I was back on I-40 West. Amarillo felt too short, Albuquerque too far, so I aimed for somewhere in between, knowing I’d be crossing Arkansas, Oklahoma, and the Texas panhandle before reaching New Mexico.
Memphis brought an encounter with the Pyramid Arena, now a Bass Pro Shop, a unique landmark I could only admire in passing due to time constraints. Crossing the Mississippi, refueling in Little Rock, Arkansas, and five hours later, I reached Van Buren, Arkansas, for my midday break at Lee Creek park. The park, while a bit more rustic than anticipated, provided a welcome stretch.
Back on the interstate, the afternoon heat made the S600’s air-conditioned seats a blessing. Fueling stops became more frequent as I pushed westward, each stop a chance to stretch and refuel both the car and myself. The Texas border crossing marked 1,500 miles completed, two-thirds of the journey behind me. Greg Trooper’s song, So Far To Go, playing on the audio system, felt apt. The Texas rest stop sign was impressively large, almost tempting me to take one home as a souvenir.
Sunset at the Texas rest stop was picturesque. I booked a hotel in Tucumcari, New Mexico, a town name I still struggled to pronounce, and continued driving for another three hours and 200 miles.
Day two concluded with 918 miles driven in 12 hours and 36 minutes, averaging 20.6 mpg at 73 mph. Tired, but closer to my destination.
DAY 3 – The final day dawned with a sense of excitement. Phoenix was within reach. A few hours in, I refueled in Albuquerque, enjoying the expansive New Mexico roads. Singing along to the radio, the miles melted away. However, a mix of emotions crept in. What if the deal faltered at the last minute? What if the S600, despite its robust engineering, encountered a problem in the final stretch? Selling this exceptional car felt like a significant decision. Modern S-Classes lacked the V12 – was I making a mistake? A break was definitely in order.
Gallup, New Mexico, became my midday stop. A run along old Route 66, next to freight trains, was a unique experience, though the 6,500’ elevation made it more of a lumbering jog than a gallop. Back on the road, I decided to let the Mercedes S600 for sale stretch its legs one last time. On a deserted stretch of southwest highway, I briefly tested its top speed, experiencing the V12’s effortless power and smooth ride. The scenery in the Southwest is captivating, constantly changing and dramatic.
Another McDonald’s stop, and then the final sprint towards Gilbert, Arizona. I wasn’t overly concerned about fuel, anticipating a refill in Flagstaff or even at my destination. Then, Waze rerouted me off I-40 onto Arizona State Roads 77, 377, and 260. Instead of a highway cruise, I found myself on a rugged, two-lane backcountry route, winding through the Sitgreaves National Forest at over 5,000 feet. Steep grades, switchbacks, and tiny towns like Hunter Creek and Kohl’s Ranch became the new reality. Passing slower vehicles became necessary, and fuel range became a growing concern. Despite the Mercedes S600 for sale having a 23.8-gallon tank, my fuel gauge was getting low. The beautiful scenery battled with my rising fuel anxiety.
Emerging near Payson, Arizona, with the car indicating over 100 miles of range to Gilbert, I optimistically skipped refueling, opting for a quick ice cream. Then, heading south on Highway 87, the South Beeline Highway, reality hit. “Brake check” signs and switchbacks signaled more challenging driving conditions. Fuel range dipped below the distance to Gilbert. I mentally berated myself for pushing the fuel limits again. Descending the pass, I utilized gravity to conserve fuel, and on flatter stretches, set the cruise control at 65 mph. I made it to Gilbert, running on fumes, and even managed a car wash before finally filling up with 22 ¼ gallons – at a hefty $107.
Day three totaled 583 miles in 8 hours and 16 minutes, averaging 20 mpg at 70 mph. The driving was done. The heat in Arizona was intense, deterring any thoughts of a run. Dinner and cocktails at a local restaurant provided a much-needed end to a long and eventful day.
Day 4 – Morning revealed a casualty of the Arizona heat: my dashcam had succumbed, dangling from its mount. It was time to prepare the Mercedes S600 for sale for its new owner. A quick trip to Walgreens for Axe body spray (sage and cedarwood scented – seemed appropriate for the desert, if a bit overpowering) addressed any lingering road trip odors.
The car was also covered in bugs – a common road trip hazard. A professional car wash was essential. For $30, a local detailer made the S600 pristine, inside and out, erasing all traces of bugs, Axe, and road trip remnants.
During the drive, I had noticed two minor issues that needed addressing before selling the Mercedes S600 for sale. A missing gas cap tether plug was a cheap and easy fix – $6 and a self-installation. The second issue was more significant: a slightly broken seat recline switch. Never used, thanks to the memory function, it still bothered me. A Mercedes dealer quoted a staggering $980 for the repair. Opting for transparency, I Venmo’d Jared the repair cost, hoping he could get it resolved.
Meeting Jared and his wife Jenna at their credit union was a pleasant experience. We spent time talking cars, distracting the loan officer with our automotive chatter. As I uncovered the car for their first viewing, after the paperwork was done, I realized how unfounded my initial anxieties about the sale were. We were all, indeed, car people, operating on the same code of integrity.
Jared and Jenna, now proud owners of the Mercedes S600 for sale, drove me back to my hotel. Seeing them drive off in the S600, and later seeing their impressive Mercedes E320 wagon, was gratifying. Jared even demonstrated voice commands in the S600 – a feature I hadn’t discovered in my 3 ½ years of ownership! The MaxCare transfer paperwork was completed, and the deal was sealed.
Selling my Mercedes S600 for sale turned into a surprisingly rewarding experience. The road trip was a fitting farewell, the price was fair, and I met genuine car enthusiasts. As I resume my search for my next automotive unicorn, I’ll fondly remember this final journey with a truly special machine.
